Logging

Fire Suppresion

Fire suppresion allowed thick seedling patches to grow into dense stands of small trees, known as dog-hair thickets, which led to an accumulation of flammable forest debris.

The Result: A Decline in Forest Health

Arizona’s forests have been overwhelmed by the growth of small trees that would have been removed by fire. The once prevalent openings have been nearly eliminated. Trees compete for water, light, and nutrients, which makes them susceptible to the effects of drought, insects, disease, and wildfire.